How To Find Files on Windows Xp

Introduction

One of the reasons why the Windows XP operating system is so popular among users nearly a decade after its initial release is that is remains highly compatible with programs and applications. Most users build up sizable archives of old files from the use of various programs that are installed on a PC. The more programs that people use in Windows XP the more files that they have to sort through when they need to find and open the files on the PC.

The Windows XP operating system attempts to automatically organize your files in a central location. When you create a user account the operating system also creates a profile folder on that hard drive that has this same user name. Within this folder are subfolders, such as My Documents, My Music and My Pictures. When you save a file, such as letter that you might create using a word processor, that file usually gets stored in the My Documents folder. Unfortunately, person applications may have other default file storage locations that do not save the files in these more commonly used folders. Luckily, you can use features in the Windows XP operating system to find files.

Step 1

Click the Start button in the bottom left hand corner of the desktop on the taskbar. This reveals the Start Menu. Click on the Run option from the Start Menu which opens a new dialog box on the screen in Windows XP.

Step 2

Type the following shortcut command in the blank text box that is labeled as Open: "Explorer.exe." Press the OK button in the dialog box, which opens the Windows Explorer box or window, in Windows XP.

Step 3

Click on the Search button that is located at the top of the Windows Explorer window. If you don't see this button, you may be using an older version of Windows XP, in reference to the Service Pack. Also, you may need to perform a Windows Update to have updated search capabilities.

Step 4

Type the name of the file your are looking for in Windows XP in the blank search box. Use the filters, if necessary. For example, you can narrow the search by the date or the size of the file.

Step 5

Click the green button that is labeled "Desktop" to search all of the files on your Windows XP. The results will show in the right panel in Windows Explorer.

Tips and Comments

You can also use the Search feature in Windows XP to find a file on the Web.